Iron Maiden with Dio and Motorhead
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Iron Maiden with Dio and Motorhead |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss' Review (7/30/03, Madison Square Garden, NYC):
Scream For Me Long B-... New York City!
Maiden
photos by HelI'm a little embarrassed to admit that I had never seen Iron Maiden in concert before. I had many, many opportunities, but something else always seemed to come up. In many ways I'm glad that I waited to see them in Madison Square Garden because it is a rare occasion to see true metal on such a grand scale. As good as Maiden are I still find myself shocked that they're able to sell out so large a venue. Their recent album sales haven't exactly been on a par with most of the acts that play at The World's Most Famous Arena, and while their popularity has endured with the metal faithful, the faithful alone aren't enough to sell out venues of this size. I guess what I'm trying to say is, who the hell goes to an Iron Maiden show, but is uninterested with the rest of the metal genre? I mean, I understand why Metallica draws the numbers they do, but Iron Maiden have remained a decidedly metal fixture their entire careers. I just can't imagine someone who loves Iron Maiden, but isn't really a metalhead.
DioAnyway, I was late and missed Motorhead. Okay, you got me, I was purposely late so I'd miss Motorhead, but I saw them about fifteen years ago and I doubt anything has changed (c'mon, tell me I'm wrong). I actually got to my seat (which was occupied by a guy with a hot girlfriend and an ugly mullet) about two or three songs into Dio's set. I had been pleasantly surprised when I saw the tour for his last album, and he was just as impressive in this setting. I guess you can't really blame an opening act for having a predictable set list, and that was the only real complaint anyone could possibly have. His voice seems to get stronger with age, and the anthems he sings seem more and more classic. While pairing Dio with Maiden on an arena tour may seem like a sure thing, I was happy to see that the venue was just about at capacity during Mr. Dio's set, further proving that this was a match made in Heaven (and Hell). Dio had an energetic crowd that not only banged their heads and raised their horns and fists, but sang along to every word as well. If one were to walk in unaware, it would be easy to mistake the scene before them for a Dio headlining show.
Being a sporting arena, beer sales were stopped far too early. In fact, a few songs into Maiden's set the taps were turned off. Had I been at another show, this might have proven a downer, but Iron Maiden are such the showmen that I got enough of a high off of my excitement as I would have from the beer. Of course, they didn't do much to stop my hands shaking, but that's a different story.
MaidenThe concert started with the spoken words of the intro to "Number of the Beast" and the energy never lulled. It is always a wonderful experience to watch a veteran band play with the energy of teenagers, mostly because those who do it have an obvious passion for their music. British flags adorned the set and Mr. Dickinson scampered to each one, waving it in time with the music. The stage itself was adorned with the artwork of all of the albums, an impressive display that I found nostalgic and enlightening at the same time. Even Maiden's worst albums usually had pretty cool artwork.
Each song was flawlessly executed. My personal favorite has always been "Hallowed Be Thy Name", and to hear it played so loud in such a cavernous venue is an experience I will never forget and cherish for years to come. They did play one new track off of the upcoming album entitled "Wildest Dreams" (no, not the Moody Blues song), and while I can't say it was overly impressive it does have potential, and I look forward to hearing it on disc.
Bruce was quite talkative, inviting the fans to download the new album if that is their wish as well as telling stories such as that of William Wallace (as an intro to "The Clansmen"), and making fun of McBrain's recent run-in with the law (he introduced him as "straight out of Leavenworth"- of course, this being New York, he should have said Riker's Island or Sing Sing, but I guess I shouldn't harp on it).
MaidenOf course I, being the jackass I am, have to complain about the set list. I wish they had played "Aces High" or "Flight of Icarus", but I was happy and a little surprised to hear "The Clairvoyant", a song that I think stands up to all of their classics and that never got the attention that it deserved. But before I knew it, Eddie was rising out of the stage and his brain was falling into his opened skull and I knew the show was just about over. My sadness was quelled by the fact that I had seen the show of the year, here's hoping you got a chance as well. One word review: Perfection.
Death's Review (8/25/03, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA):
With no L.A. proper date on this summer's big Iron Maiden tour, we were left with a few choices of shows happening in the vicinity but still a bit of a drive away. For me, the choice was easy. My all-time favorite live album ever is Iron Maiden's Live After Death, and the phrase "Scream for me Long Beach!!" is definitely its most memorable between-song banter. Having understood that Iron Maiden had not returned to these hallowed halls since that tour, it felt to me like this show had the potential to be something special. It was like seeing Cheap Trick at Budokhan or something. I had to do it.
DioWe tried to get there somewhere near what you might call "on time." For the most part, the drive down there wasn't too bad. Upon entering the parking lot, it felt like 1987 all over again. Thousands of fans were tailgating in the parking lot. Drinking beer, hanging out, cranking tunes. The interesting part of the music they were playing was that almost every single car was blaring Iron Maiden. How many shows do you go to where you hear that anymore? Perhaps that is true for hippie stuff like Phish or the Grateful Dead. But like those bands, Iron Maiden are larger than life.
As I picked up our tickets and entered the venue, I began to realize that it had been literally ages since I had seen a show in an indoor, small arena type of venue. Growing up, I saw all my shows (Maiden, Priest, Ozzy, Dio, etc.) at places like the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, NY, or the RPI Fieldhouse in Troy, NY. Do they still have shows at such small market arenas? I don't know, but for the last many years, everything I have seen has been outdoors in big summer ampitheaters or in clubs. Is the arena tour a dying art, or do I just live in places (New York City, Los Angeles) that don't really cater to that type of venue? Who knows. I do know this: this Maiden tour was mostly outdoors, and I no, the arena show isn't dead - Iron Maiden was to demonstrate that with power and force this night.
MaidenMotorhead was first, but I admit I barely cared. I've seen them so many times and it really just isn't my thing. They are admittedly legendary, and they do rock in many ways, but I just didn't feel it. Especially in an arena. So I hung out by the food and beer concessions and drank. I saw lots of LA metal legends out this night - it was good to see the old-school bands bringing out the veterans of the scene. I hooked up with some friends, had another drink and headed into the venue for the start of Dio. Looking at my ticket, I quickly realized that I had eighth row, center seats! I was psyched.
Dio did not disappoint. In fact, he was way better than I thought he'd be. Simply stated, forget about how he looks - yes, the man is old. He sounds exactly like he always has, and we all know that he has a wonderful voice, one of the all time heavy metal golden throats. I really got into his set. The enthusiasm, after all of these years, was still very, very high. How many times has this guy sung "Rainbow in the Dark" or "Heaven and Hell"? Yet rather than act above it all, rather than asking the fans to sing every other line, skipping all the high notes or avoiding the intense parts, Dio belted out every song, every note, like it meant as much to him as it did to me. Fuck yeah. Ronnie James Dio had me captivated for his entire set. Sure, I think new songs like "Rock and Roll" are pretty boring (although I love the Tenacious D cameo in the video - and have started to find the song really catchy as well - for "Push", a song I expected to hear but he did not play), but songs like "The Last in Line," "Mob Rules" "Holy Diver," and even the unexpected, forgotten title track off his fourth album, "Dream Evil" (yes, it did appear to be title track night in the Dio camp - where was "Sacred Heart"?) kicked more than enough ass to make up for it. In sum, Dio was the surprise of the night, giving a admirable five skull performance. But the gods of all metal were still yet to come.
MaidenYes, I have decided of late that Iron Maiden may very well be my all-time favorite classic band. Ozzy went glam, Metallica ran out of steam, Priest broke up (although they have reformed), etc., etc. Iron Maiden is back though, and whether or not they are my favorite and they are certainly one of my favorite bands to see live. Simply stated, Bruce Dickinson is still full of energy and still sounds great, and Mssrs. Harris, Smith, Murray, McBrain and Gers are all powerful musicians with precision shops and larger-than-life stage presences. These guys are at the top of their game as players, ut come across as from different ear as showmen - an era of bands that knew the difference between a record and a live performance, an era of bands that knew how to put on a show.
This was hands-down the best concert I have seen in 2003. I want to see Maiden play again as soon as possible. Their songs are still ringing in my head. Yes, this was a set full of classics, for the most part the band stuck to the "expected". There are many, many songs I'd rather see them play than "Run to the Hills." But despite the set list, the band made every number exciting, every moment of stage time something special. This is no oldies act, no matter how many times you have heard the songs. And to tell you the truth, the setlist really was kinda cool in many ways. They opened with "The Number of the Beast," but then launched into three straight tracks from my favorite Iron Maiden album, Piece of Mind: "The Trooper," "Die With Your Boots On," and the godly "Revelations," one of their all-time best. Then they played "Hallowed Be Thy Name". Killer! Later on in the set, we were treated to "The Clairvoyant" from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and "The Clansman," from Virtual XI, a song I didn't pay attention nto while Blaze was in the band but now I think I might have to count among my Iron Maiden favorites. Bruce just belted this one out big time, and the animated footage of Eddie as William Wallace running on the screens was cool too. In fact, every moment of this show was just perfect. Bruce running around during "The Trooper" waiving the Union Jack, a giant Edward the Great-style Eddie running around on stage, and Bruce lowering Eddie's brain into his cranium to bring him to life all contributed to the genius of this show. But it was the songs, the performances, and the all-out power of it all were the reason this went from great show to transcendental performance. The crowd participation on "Fear of the Dark," the bounce of the new song "Wildest Dreams," the dual guitar command of "Wicker Man" - every song held my attention from beginning to end, and left me wanting more.
MaidenI am an Iron Maiden fan for life. I know the band has announced that they have grown tired of touring, but I beg them to please come back again on this tour - at least once more. Play a different set, mix in some new material. Do all covers for all I care. Just come back.
Hel's Review (8/25/03, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA):
Death and I departed extra early for this Monday night show. Having never been to the Long Beach Arena, we had no idea what to expect from the travel time/traffic standpoint, so we attempted to give ourselves enough time to have everything squared away and be inside by the time the show started. We arrived with what seemed like ample time before the start time, but the very long, slow line for will call completely negated our early arrival. By the time we had gotten through the line, then through the security checkpoint, and then past countless ushers who all stopped us on our way up toward the front, Motorhead was already past their third song, and I was denied access to the photo pit. Considering how ridiculous (and generally idiotic) all the security had been since the moment we arrived, I just let it go, and headed to the vendor area for an overpriced snack.
MaidenYou see, I have just never liked Motorhead. Their live show has repeatedly failed to convert me, despite the consistent quality they provide. For me, it all comes back to the fact that I think pretty much all of their songs sound like "Ace of Spades." Apparently, I was not the only one uninterested in Motorhead's set, as many people were gathered in the vending area, and as I snacked on my outrageously expensive French fries, I saw a few metal luminaries in the crowd. Finally, it was time for Dio, so I set off to get to work. The photo pit area was much larger than usual due to the stage configuration, which was sort of a modified W shape, with the sides and center jutting out and the rest of the stage set back. While I waited, I took a photo of Iron Maiden's set list, which was taped to a monitor stacked off to the side, and then watched with amusement as several of the other photographers picked up on my idea. At long last, Dio took the stage.
Earlier in the night, after finally getting through the interminable line at will call, I found I had two different photo passes left for me. I've been doing this photo thing regularly for over a year now, and I have learned one thing during this time - the headliner pass trumps all. So I put on the Iron Maiden pass, and left the Dio pass with Death, since I wouldn't need it. Imagine my surprise when I was tapped on the shoulder halfway through Dio's first song, and told that I had to leave since I didn't have a Dio photo pass! This night was getting more annoying by the moment. Perhaps if this guy had told me this during the long interval before the band took the stage, I could have tracked Death down and gotten back up to the photo pit before the band started. But no. I looked for Death, but in the darkness and chaos of Dio's set, it was impossible. I finally found him during song four, by which time I would have been kicked out of the photo pit anyway.
MaidenMy photo travails aside, Dio's set was a classic, and he continues to perform with the same animation and passion that he always has. As I have noted in the past, he does concede to his age a bit by ducking offstage after a few songs, leading to the inevitable drum solo that so many people complain about. But really, I think he's more than entitled to the occasional breather, considering the high level of performance he still provides after so many years. I have yet to walk away from a Dio performance disappointed, and other than the mess with the photo pass, this time was no exception.
DioI returned to the photo pit early again. This venue is clearly strict about the three-song rule, which dictates all photographers are kicked out after the third song, and I didn't want to squander a single moment. I've seen Iron Maiden a few times, both with and without Bruce, but have never been in attendance as a photographer before. This certainly was a huge milestone for me in that regard, though in reality, an Iron Maiden show in and of itself is probably always a huge milestone for any old-school metalhead. The interval between bands is always the most painful part of any show, at least in my opinion, and this one was made all the more painful by the anticipation of awaiting this legendary band's appearance onstage. Finally, the moment came.
As I stood there taking pictures, it dawned on me that here I was, standing close enough to touch a band that I had admired and revered since, basically, childhood. It's one of those things I don't think anyone can ever get over, when you reach a point in your life when reality exceeds your wildest fantasies. I had an active imagination as a youngster, but standing a foot away from the members of Iron Maiden taking pictures while Bruce yells, "Scream for me Long Beach!" was just not conceivable to me at the time. Hell, it was barely conceivable to me now, but here I was all the same. It is the sort of moment that causes a person to wax philosophical, and inevitably, I was drawn down memory lane to the first time I saw Iron Maiden live.
Maiden's Set ListBack in 1994, two of my friends showed up outside my crappy summer job in Syracuse, New York, one sunny afternoon. I had hastened out to learn that they'd just discovered Iron Maiden would be playing in Rochester that night, and they wondered if I wanted to join them. I ran back in and pleaded family emergency, and we were on our way. It was one of the craziest things I had ever done at the time. Looking back, it may have also been one of the smartest, and certainly, it was one of the most enjoyable. That particular show was essentially deserted, and I was able to stand nearly as close as I was on this night. Times have changed, however, and the Long Beach Arena had a healthy-sized crowd who were all enthusiastically enjoying the set of classics by this legendary band.
To this day, Iron Maiden remains one of the best live bands around. Despite the number of years they've been doing this, they all still run around the stage as if they were teenagers, and their classic songs all sounded amazing. While this is not a tour where the longtime fans will be treated to dusty gems that have not been performed live in years, it hardly matters, as the classics all sound fresh when delivered with such skill and showmanship. Mark this down on your to do list: See Iron Maiden live. And also be sure to catch Dio when he comes to a town near you.
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